System and device for the efficient control and documentation of data in computer installations

ABSTRACT

Efficient, effective and thorough control over and documentation of data received, utilized and completed in form for delivery in computer installations is provided by the system and device of the invention. Utilizing the system and device provided, a single, central controller is able to control and document such data from the moment it is received in the installation to the time it is picked up for delivery. The system provides for control of data so that any delays encountered in running a job can be brought immediately to the attention of the central controller who can then alter or re-schedule the times for running the jobs programmed for the computers. In addition, the central controller is provided with a device which enables him to immediately determine the status of any job being run or scheduled to be run.

United States Patent 1 1 Stenger Nov. 27, 1973 [76] Inventor: Hanns G.Stenger, 70ll 34th Avenue, Jackson Heights. N.Y. 11372 [22] Filed: Feb.24, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 118,434

3,253,871 5/l966 Karper 281/50 Primary Examiner-Harold l. PittsAttorney-Howard E. Thompson, Jr. and Salvatore C. Mitri 5 7 ABSTRACTEfficient, effective and thorough control over and documentation of datareceived, utilized and completed in form for delivery in computerinstallations is provided by the system and device of the invention.Utilizing the system and device provided, a single, central controlleris able to control and document such data from the moment it is receivedin the installation to the time it is picked up for delivery. The systemprovides for control of data so that any delays encountered in running ajob can be brought immediately to the attention of the centralcontroller who can then alter or re-schedule the times for running thejobs programmed for the computers. In addition, the central controlleris provided with a device which enables him to immediately determine thestatus of any job being run or scheduled to be run.

4 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PAfiNIEunuvzmzs 3,775,748

sum 1 or z INVENTOR F/G. 2 BY HANNS s. STENGER ATTORNEY PAIENTED Z I9753. 775. 748

sum 2 0r 2 INVENTOR- 28 29 BY HANNS GJMSTENFEER 25d 33 32 ATTORNEYSYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR THE EFFICIENT CONTROL AND DOCUMENTATION OF DATA INCOMPUTER INSTALLATIONS This invention relates to a system and device forcontrolling and documenting data in computer data processinginstallations from the moment such data is received for processing untilthe time it is completed and in the form desired for delivery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION At the inception of computerized dataprocessing, the need for controlling and/or documenting the data to beprocessed was of little or no importance and, therefore, not believed tobe necessary. This is not the case today. The rapid growth in the fieldsof computer technology and computer data processing have given rise tothe use of what are referred to today as third and fourth generationcomputers." These computers are capable of performing many different,independent jobs simultaneously or concurrently in very short periods oftime and since they are expensive to operate and maintain, they areutilized to their fullest potential during every moment of operationwhich, today, is on a 24 hour basis. This requires proper programming ofsufficient work loads as well as closely regulated time schedules forthe various jobs the computer is programmed to handle.

In almost all instances, several of these third and fourth generationcomputers" are installed in one loca tion to comprise a computerinstallation so that the problems of control and documentation haveincreased algebraically while the number of such computers in use at anyone installation has increased only arithmetically.

The rapid growth in sophisticated computer technol- 08); that is, the"hardware" employed, coupled with the equally rapid growth insophisticated computer data processing technology; that is, thesoftware" employed, and the increase in the number of computers employedin computer installations has far outpaced the meager training anddevelopment directed toward those persons who are responsible forcontrolling and operating such installations. As a result, most suchcomputer installations have become overcrowded, hectic and chaotic areasin which to work. Computer operators are faced with daily tasks oflocating important computer-related components such as tape units, discunits, run books, computer programs, identification labels, pre-punchedidentification cards, and the like, all of which are essential for theproper operation and full use of the computers under rigid timeschedules. In addition, the proper control of the flow of data to andfrom the computers must be provided for. Under such conditions, however,input data is often omitted in a job run simply because it was notreceived at the proper computer at the right time, and it is not unusualfor output data to be erroneous or incomplete simply because there wasno way of checking it.

Attempts have been made in many computer installations to overcome andeliminate these problems by providing control clerks who are ostensiblyresponsible for controlling the flow of input and output data deliveredto and received from the computer installations. However, these controlclerks are asked to perform their duties utilizing techniques andsystems that were eff cient for their intended purposes for firstgeneration computers, but which are hardly a match for third and fourthgeneration computer installations. Consequently, control clerks aretoday performing every function except that of control. They serve asmessengers to deliver data in various forms to the different operatingstations for which the data is scheduled to be run in the installationand attempt to log the delivery and receipt of such data on a log sheetwhich is often lost amid an array of miscellaneous cards, printedreports, time schedules, additional data forms, and the like, whichclutter their desks. They act as telephone operators placing andreceiving calls pertaining to the overall operational status of theinstallation as well as to the operational status of any one of a numberof particular jobs. They must be aware of any delays pertaining to anysegment of the operation so that job scheduling can be re-arranged andthe proper persons notified, and must also complete and file a detailedaccount of all the work completed and/or in progress at the end of theirwork shifts.

In a field where time is computed in nanoseconds (billionths of asecond), where delays can immobilize an entire computer installation andsmall errors are extremely expensive to correct, where the work loaddemand is overwhelming, and where the pace of activity is always hectic,it is imperative that proper and complete control over such operationsbe established and maintained. Given the proper tools, the control clerkcan perform those functions vital to a smooth and efficient operation.However, as noted above, under present operating techniques and systems,the control clerk cannot even attempt to achieve his proper function,much less maintain it. As a result, control clerks often simply walk offtheir jobs in sheer frustration, thereby imposing one more expense on analready high cost operation.

THE INVENTION It has now been found that the problems and difficultiesdescribed briefly above can be overcome by use of the system and deviceof this invention which provides for efficient data control, hereinafterreferred to as E.D.C.," of the data received and utilized in and thencompleted in form for delivery from a computer installation. The systemand device of the invention make it possible for a single, centralcontroller in a multicomputer installation to efficiently, effectivelyand thoroughly control and document the flow of data in whatever formsuch data is received or prepared from the time the data enters theinstallation to the time that the finished product is released fordelivery.

The system is designed so that the central controller is immediatelyalterted to any delays which might affect the jobs being run in theinstallation at the moment such delays occur so that the variouscomputer operators running those jobs can also be alerted. In turn, thecomputer operators can inform the central controller of any delays whichthey encounter in running a job. This is important since it not onlyprovides an orderly means of keeping track of the status of each job,but also permits the central controller to provide for rearranging oraltering the schedules of other jobs, thereby maintaining the computerunits in constant use for maximum efficiency. Equally important is thefact that open and direct lines of immediate communication areestablished and maintained between the central controller and thecomputer operators at the various operating stations within theinstallation as well as with personnel in other departments associatedwith the installation.

Another advantage which the system of the invention gives rise to isthat of providing management with useful data arranged on a format thatpermits management to readily and easily make time studies, be apprisedof the nature and location of any problems encountered during any workshift, and provide them with tabulated data for billing purposes.

Since the central controller will receive, enter and check all datareceived from offline operations under the system of the invention, theturnover and proper identification of such data, such as tapes for thetape library, is readily provided through a single point.

These general advantages obtainable by the system of the invention, aswell as others which are discussed hereinafter, include the use of twoessential formats. One format is provided to identify the jobs scheduledto be run during a work shift in order by job category, each job beingassigned a coded number which is pre printed on the format in ascendingnumerical order with the name of each job alongside its appropriate jobnumber. Space is provided for each job thus listed and identified tonote the times received in and/or sent from one operating station in theinstallation to another such as the library, key punch, offline,distribution, and the like, as well as note any important remarkspertaining to running of the job. The format is designed for use by asmany as three work shifts during a 24 hour period and as many as twentyjobs can be listed on each format. Since this format providesinformation concerning the location and status of any job scheduled tobe run during a work day, it can be seen that it effectively andefficiently controls and documents the flow of all incoming data, storeddata, data being run, and outgoing data by a single person, the centralcontroller, from a single point. Therefore, this format is designated asthe input/output (l/O) data sheet.

On the other format used in the system of the invention, the same numberof jobs scheduled to be run during a work shift are identified in thesame manner as those on the HO sheet, but are listed in sequence by jobpriority with the schedules for receipt and delivery to and from eachoperating station preprinted for each job. Space is also provided tonote actual times of receipt and delivery to and from each station sothat the actual times for running or handling the job at each stationcan be compared with the preprinted, scheduled times. In this way,delays or problems affecting any job at any station can be immediatelyreported to the central controller and noted and recorded by him so thatcorrective action can be taken, such as re-routing the next scheduledpriority job. Provision is also made on the format to note any pertinentremarks and it, too, is designed for use by as many as three work shiftsduring a 24 hour work period, thereby closely paralleling the 110 sheet.Since this format lists the time schedules and priorities for each job,it is designated as the master scehdule (M/S) data sheet.

In order to realize the fullest potential of efficiency and thoroughnessof the system of the invention, the central controller utilizes both theand M/S sheets while only the MIS sheets are utilized by the operatorsat each work station of the computer installation. Hence, the computeroperators at each station need only supply the information required onthe MIS sheets for those jobs assigned to be completed or run by themand need not concern themselves with any other jobs which are not theirresponsibility. In effect, the MIS sheets alert the computer operatorsat each operating station when to expect to receive a job assigned tothem, where the job is coming from, and to whom to send the job whenthey are finished with it. As a result, continuity is maintained when ajob run bridges two or more work shifts.

Although the central controller is also provided with copies of the M/Ssheets distributed to the computer operators, he need not fill in theactual receipt and delivery times of the jobs on this sheet, but canmerely check off the appropriate spaces on the MIS sheet and fill in thetimes on the [/0 sheet. This enables the central controller to determinethe progress of each job on a single format so that he can promptlyanswer any inquiries relating to it and, since he has direct lines ofcommunication with each station, it enables him to immediately check thestatus of any job at any station. When completed jobs are ready fordelivery, the central controller can arrange for their pick up and whena job encounters difliculty at some station, he can arrange forre-scheduling of the job by reference to the priority list on the MISsheet and enter the rescheduled job on both his [/0 sheet and theappropriate M/S sheet, thereafter notifying the appropriate operators atthe stations affected so that they can correct their M/S sheetsaccordingly.

Under the system of the invention, every job to be run will enter andleave the installation through the central controller. Since the I/Osheet used by the central controller does not list the jobs in order ofpriority, his entries thereon will not always be in order of the jobslisted. Even though every job enters through the central controller,some jobs may require some other operations outside the installationwhich will not affect the central controllers entries on the [/0 sheet.On the other hand, there may be instances where the central controllerwill have to total times or check the sums of times entered by anoperator on his M/S sheet and also log the receipt and delivery oftapes, discs, prepunched cards and the like received from an offlinestation for delivery to a computer operator.

To further facilitate and simplify the use of the M/S and [/0 sheets,these sheets can be color coded such as by tinting the formats adifferent color in each column designed for use by each station so thateach station can be readily located on this sheet. Further, the entriesmade on these sheets by each work shift can also be of different colorso that the shifts making such entries are readily identifiable.

Since most mediumand large-sized computer installations operate on a 24hour basis each day of the week, it is important that the tape librarymaintain accurate and complete records of all tapes so that the turnoverfrom one work shift to another can be made without errors, delays ordiscrepancies. Again, the central controller, properly filling in thesheet, can check off the tapes accompanied with their appropriateidentification labels which are received from the library for offlineprinting or punching and check these tapes again when they are receivedfrom the offline station for return to the library. Although the tapespass through the central controller, the accompanying identificationlabels are normally returned by him to the library. If any discrepanciesexist when the tapes are returned to the librarian, they can be readilyrectified by the central controller since he has a complete record ofall the appropriate identification labels. Thus, an accurate andthorough library turnover is assured at the end of each work shift.

These and other features of the system and device of the invention willbecome more apparent when considered together with the accompanyingdrawing wherein the several figures set forth various embodimentsthereof by way of illustration and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an EDC center located in an environmentdesigned to yield maximum efficiency for the system of the invention andillustrating the use of the device of the invention therein;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of the device of the inventionshowing a plurality of movable recording surfaces;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view taken substantially on the line 33 ofFIG. 2 indicating one type of adjustable mounting means;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating one means by whichmovable recording surfaces in accordance with the invention can beassembled;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view substantially on the line 55 ofFIG. 4 with part of the structure in the open or extended position; and,

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view substantially on the line 6-6 ofFIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, the EDC center comprises a central work surface lhaving panel means 11 arranged on either side of it for mounting thereonthe MIS sheets 12 then in use by the computer operators at the variousoperating stations for ready reference and access by the centralcontroller. Below the panel means 11 there can be provided shelves 13which are preferably in the form of extensions of the work surface 10,and cabinets 14 for added work space and for storing M/S and I/O sheets.Additional cabinets l and drawers 16 can also be provided beneath worksurface for storing other miscellaneous items such as colored markingpencils, staplers, rubber bands, paper clips, note paper, and the like.The central work surface 10 can be made accessible to persons outsidethe EDC environment by providing an open window area as indicated at 17and significant information such as dates, important telephone numbers,instructions, and the like can be posted in the window area 17 as at 18.

Preferably, the central controller is also provided with an intercom 19in the EDC center which is connected to other intercoms at the variousoperating stations in the computer installation as well as desireddepartments outside the computer installation area so that the centralcontroller can immediately communicate with any station to receive andrelay important information and also communicate with personnel in otherdepartments. The device of the invention, generally indicated at 20, canthen be conveniently located at the central work surface 10 as shown inFIG. 1. It is also desirable that an open area be provided within theEDC center for direct, physical communication between the centralcontroller and other personnel within the computer installation such asthrough the spaces indicated at 21 between panels 11 and shelves 13.

[t can be seen, therefore, that by providing an EDC center as shown inFIG. 1, a single, central controller can effectively and efficientlycontrol and document the flow of all data and materials relating to aplurality of jobs scheduled to be run at different stations in thecomputer installation in an environment that is orderly, neat andisolated from the normally hectic and chaotic atmosphere of suchinstallations. By locating the EDC center in a strategic place, thecentral controller can also serve to prevent unauthorized personnel fromentering the computer installation area, thereby acting as a securityclearance.

As noted earlier, the I/O sheets used by the central controller areprovided with an area to note when and by whom completed jobs are pickedup for subsequent delivery. When these completed jobs are picked up fordelivery, it is desirable to have the person picking up the job or jobssign them out of the computer installation area. Since, in accordancewith the invention, this is to be done on the [/0 sheets, and since thecentral controller must have constant and immediate access to these [/0sheets, the device 20 of the invention has been provided to facilitatesuch operations.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, device 20 comprises a plurality ofrectangular, movable recording surfaces, generally shown at 22, whichare mounted on a platform 23, which in turn, is secured to aconventional swivel or rotating base, generally shown at 24. (FIG. 3).The base 24 serves to facilitate displaying the [/0 sheets either to thecentral controller or to one who is to sign an l/O sheet when picking upa completed job. The entire assemblage can be rotated on a vertical axisby movement of the base 24 with respect to its fixed base part 24a. Theplatform 23 can also be moved or turned about a horizontal axis formedat a pivot 24b of the base 24.

It will be apparent that the rotary and tilting movement of the platform23 as above described will be effective for providing access to therecording surface 22 by persons outside the window 17 without movementof the base 24a with respect to the work surface I0, even withconsiderable variation in the positioning or orientation of the window17 (FIG. 1 In some instances, however, it will be desirable to providelimited or guided movement of the base 24 with respect to work surface10 in addition to, or in place of the movements above described foreffectively exposing the recording surface 22 at a less convenientlylocated access window 17.

Each recording surface 22 is designed so that NO forms 25 are exposed atboth sides thereof and is also provided with a plurality of apertures 26which are aligned to mate with conventional ring holders 27 mounted onplatform 23. When secured in place by the ring holders 27, therefore,individual recording surfaces 22 can be turned similar to pages in abook to display the HO forms 25 containing a particular job or pluralityof jobs to be referred to by the central controller and/or themessengers picking up completed jobs for delivery.

While the double faced recording surfaces 22 can be provided in variousways, including, for example, double printing of the I/O forms 25 onopposed surfaces of light card stock material, it is preferable and moreversatile to provide rigid frame and support members 22a interchangeablyreceiving forms 25 printed on lightweight paper sheets 25a which permitscompact storeage for future reference. Details of one form of rigidframe and support member 22aare illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, wherein athin rigid rectangular support member 28 is bounded on one, two or threesides by fixed frame members 29 and on at least one side by movableframe or locking members 30.

The frame members 29 have deep central channels 31 closely engagingedges of the member 28 and somewhat shallower and wider channels 32fonning inner flanges 33 which overlie edges of sheets 25a imprintedwith the U forms.

The movable frame or locking members 30 can be pivoted to each otherand/or to the member 28, as seen at 34, to overlie the member 28 in amanner to interfit with an extension 29a of an associated frame part 29formed by removal of a portion of the flange 33 thereof, as clearlyshown in FIG. 5. Each of the members 30 is provided with an undercut 35forming a flange 36 which will overlie a protruding edge of the sheet25a which has been assembled with the other frame parts.

Spring means 37 (FIG. may be provided to normally urge the frame parts30 into engagement with the member 28 while permitting the frame parts30 to be individually raised to facilitate insertion and removal ofsheets 25a. It will be noted, in this connection, that in an assemblagein which three sides are bounded by frame parts 29 and only one sideprovided with movable frame parts 30, a flexible sheet 250 can readilybe snapped into engagement with opposed side frame parts 29 while in theextended dotted line position shown in FIG. 5 and then slid to the fullline position, i.e., a position in which the sheet 250 is under flange33 at the opposed end of the assemblage; and when the raised framemember 30 drops into engagement with the member 28, the sheet 25a isfully supported against movement in the assemblage. When it is desiredto remove a sheet 25a, the movable frame member 30 is lifted, the sheet25a is slid to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 5, whereuponsliding of either side edge of the sheet 250 toward the center willdisengage it from the flange 33 and permit complete removal from theassemblage.

in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawing, the frame parts 30 and associatedportion of the member 28 have been provided with aligned apertures 26for receiving ring holders 27 on the platform 23, as earlier described.While it is considered desirable to have the apertures 26 thus locatedto prevent tampering with the assemblage when mounted on the rings 27,it will be understood that the apertures 26 could also be provided inone of the frame parts 29, in which event opening movements of the frameparts 30 would be permitted while the assemblage was in engagement withthe rings 27. Whether this arrangement or the tamperproof arrangementwould be preferable would depend upon whether one was concernedprimarily with security or primarily with quick and easyinterchangeability of sheets 25a.

The platform and ring members 27 associated therewith should be of asize sufficient to accommodate about five recording surfaces 22 thereon.Since each recording surface 22 accommodates two [/0 forms 25 and eachl/O form 25 has provision for listing about twenty different jobsthereon, device can provide for control and documentation of about 200different jobs at a single location by an individual controller.

With the operation of computer centers being conducted on an essentiallyround-the-clock basis, it will be apparent that the group of recordingsurfaces 22 or frame and support members 220 mounted on the device 20will be constantly changing as groups of jobs are completed and newlyscheduled jobs are being added. The durability and flexibility which isprovided, particularly when using the rigid frame and support members224 with paper sheets 25a bearing the [/0 fonns 25, is of specialsignificance when considering the preliminary handling by associatepersonnel in setting up the [/0 forms for a series of jobs, the repeatedhandling by the controller in making entries from time to time withrespect to jobs in progress, and the further handling by the otherassociate personnel after jobs have been completed and before the I/Oforms are ready to be placed in storeage. While paper sheets 25a can bequickly and easily inserted into and removed from the rigid support andframe member 22a, these sheets are firmly supported to permit neat andaccurate entries and at the same time protected against physical damagewhich would be experienced with unprotected paper sheets. As earliermentioned, suitable durability in use could be provided by printing theforms 25 on opposed sides of heavier card stock material, and while thismight permit a lower initial cost in installing the new control system,this advantage could be offset by the added storeage expense,particularly if there was a need for keeping completed l/O forms forextended periods of time.

The types of materials used to manufacture the vari-- ous components ofthe device 20 are not critical, but it is preferred that the componentscomprising the rigid frame and support members 22a be produced frommoldable plastics so that they will be durable and yet lightweight andinexpensive.

Although the system and device of the invention have been described insome detail and with particularity, it should be understood thatchanges, modifications and alterations can be made therein withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed:

1. An efficient data control center for an integrated computerinstallation having a plurality of computer operating stations, saidcontrol center adapted to be manned by an individual as a centralcontroller and comprising a central work surface; a cumulative recordingdevice movably mounted on said central work surface, said deviceproviding relatively movable recording surfaces for entry of jobschronologically by job number and entry of notations relating to inputand output data pertaining to a plurality of different jobs in saidinstallation, said movable recording surfaces being supported against aplanar surface which is tiltable to an angle of at least 45 to thehorizontal, the movable mounting of said cumulative recording deviceproviding movement of said recording surfaces from a position of easyaccess by said central controller to a position of easy access byindividuals outside said environment; extensions of said work surfacedisposed angularly at both sides thereof providing an easily accessibleenvironment within which said central controller is situated; panelmeans above and in alignment with said angularly disposed work surfaceextensions providing readily visible support means for a plurality ofmaster schedule data sheets for entry of jobs chronologically in orderof their time priorities, said master schedule sheets being duplicatesof those maintained at said computer operating stations, said panelmeans being vertically spaced from said work surface extensions to formopenings therebetween facilitating physical communication between saidcentral controller within said environment and other computer personneloutside said environment, and means within said environment providingtwo way audio communication between said central controller and each ofsaid operating stations, such that said central controller is constantlyadvised of information relating to the jobs entered on said movablerecording surfaces and said master schedule sheets.

2. A data control center as defined in claim 1 wherein said relativelymovable recording surfaces comprise rigid planar members with recordingforms at opposed surfaces thereof, said planar members being arranged inadjacent stacks in engagement with ring means facilitating a pivotaltransfer, in loose-leaf book fashion, of said rigid planar emmbers fromone stack to the other, each of said rigid planar members comprising aframe, a thin support member interfitting with said frame, and lockingmeans forming at least one side of said frame, said frame and saidlocking member having inwardly extending flanges closely spaced fromboth surfaces of said support member forming peripheral channels forreceiving edges of thin sheets providing said recording surfaces atopposed sides of said support member.

3. A data control center as defined in claim 2 wherein said lockingmeans comprises two members hingeably secured to one end of said supportmember for pivotal movement from positions of engagement with thesurfaces of said support member to outwardly extending positions whichprovide access to the peripheral channels of said frame member.

4. A data control center as defined in claim 3 wherein said last namedend of the support member and said hinged members are provided withaligned apertures for receiving said ring means, and engagement of saidring means with said aligned apertures provides means for normallysupporting the hinged members of said locking means in engagement withthe surfaces of said support member.

1. An efficient data control center for an integrated computerinstallation having a plurality of computer operating stations, saidcontrol center adapted to be manned by an individual as a ''''centralcontroller'''' and comprising a central work surface; A cumulativerecording device movably mounted on said central work surface, saiddevice providing relatively movable recording surfaces for entry of jobschronologically by job number and entry of notations relating to inputand output data pertaining to a plurality of different jobs in saidinstallation, said movable recording surfaces being supported against aplanar surface which is tiltable to an angle of at least 45* to thehorizontal, the movable mounting of said cumulative recording deviceproviding movement of said recording surfaces from a position of easyaccess by said central controller to a position of easy access byindividuals outside said environment; extensions of said work surfacedisposed angularly at both sides thereof providing an easily accessibleenvironment within which said central controller is situated; panelmeans above and in alignment with said angularly disposed work surfaceextensions providing readily visible support means for a plurality ofmaster schedule data sheets for entry of jobs chronologically in orderof their time priorities, said master schedule sheets being duplicatesof those maintained at said computer operating stations, said panelmeans being vertically spaced from said work surface extensions to formopenings therebetween facilitating physical communication between saidcentral controller within said environment and other computer personneloutside said environment, and means within said environment providingtwo way audio communication between said central controller and each ofsaid operating stations, such that said central controller is constantlyadvised of information relating to the jobs entered on said movablerecording surfaces and said master schedule sheets.
 2. A data controlcenter as defined in claim 1 wherein said relatively movable recordingsurfaces comprise rigid planar members with recording forms at opposedsurfaces thereof, said planar members being arranged in adjacent stacksin engagement with ring means facilitating a pivotal transfer, inloose-leaf book fashion, of said rigid planar emmbers from one stack tothe other, each of said rigid planar members comprising a frame, a thinsupport member interfitting with said frame, and locking means formingat least one side of said frame, said frame and said locking memberhaving inwardly extending flanges closely spaced from both surfaces ofsaid support member forming peripheral channels for receiving edges ofthin sheets providing said recording surfaces at opposed sides of saidsupport member.
 3. A data control center as defined in claim 2 whereinsaid locking means comprises two members hingeably secured to one end ofsaid support member for pivotal movement from positions of engagementwith the surfaces of said support member to outwardly extendingpositions which provide access to the peripheral channels of said framemember.
 4. A data control center as defined in claim 3 wherein said lastnamed end of the support member and said hinged members are providedwith aligned apertures for receiving said ring means, and engagement ofsaid ring means with said aligned apertures provides means for normallysupporting the hinged members of said locking means in engagement withthe surfaces of said support member.